Measuring instrument

ABSTRACT

A device for measuring and marking lines and points on a steel I-beam includes a rib for contacting the outside of an I-beam flange along a line opposite the center of the beam web, a measuring blade that rests on the beam web and measures distances from the outside of the flange, and a bridge for connecting the measuring blade to the rib in a way in which the measuring blade is held perpendicular to the flange. The device marks I-beams faster and more accurately that was possible using prior art tools and techniques.

[0001] The present invention relates generally to measuring devices, andmore particularly to a device for measuring and marking lines and pointson steel I-beams.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Steel I-beams are frequently used to build frameworks for largebuildings and construction projects. The beams are connected togetherwith bolts that must be positioned precisely given the large scale ofthe building. When the bolts are positioned even ⅛ of an inch offcenter, the stability of the project is endangered as the error iscompounded over tens or hundreds of feet.

[0003] The measurement process is complicated by the fact thatmeasurements are defined from the outside of the beam flange, while thehole itself is drilled in the beam web. Thus, it is impossible to use astandard tape measure, for example, to measure the required distancedirectly. Instead, a square is generally used in combination with a tapemeasure, to make the appropriate measurement.

[0004] More particularly describing the prior art as shown in FIGS. 1-4,an I-beam 10 comprises a web 11 and two side flanges 12. Typically, theintersection of web 11 and flanges 12 is rounded rather than square,defining radius 13 at the web/flange intersection.

[0005] To measure the locations of holes to be drilled in the beam, atape measure 14 is first used to measure predetermined distances fromone end of the beam. Marks 15 are used to indicate those distances. Asquare 17 is then used to mark lines 16 perpendicular to the flanges atthose measured distances, generally by positioning the square anindicated in FIG. 3. Square 17 is then turned on its end and is used inconjunction with tape 14 to mark distances from the outside of theflange, as shown in FIG. 4. Square 17 and tape 14 generally cannot beused to measure that distance directly, due in large part to thecurvature of the intersection between the web and the flange.

[0006] The precision of the foregoing method of measurement depends, inpart, on whether the flanges are truly at right angles to the web. Ifone flange is bent in or out a little, the distance measured from thetop of the flange will not be the same as the distance along the web.This leads to errors in marking holes, since the method uses distancesfrom the top of the flange as a guide. In addition, the speed of theforegoing method is unsatisfactory since multiple tools and measurementsare required for each point.

[0007] A need therefore exists for a method of measuring and markinglines and points on I-beams that doesn't require a combination of tools,and that is more exact than the method of the prior art. The presentinvention addresses that need.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0008] Briefly describing one aspect of the present invention, there isprovided a device for measuring and marking lines and points on a steelI-beam. The device comprises:

[0009] (a) a flange-contacting portion for contacting the flange of anI-beam to be marked, and for defining a line parallel to the flange;

[0010] (b) a measuring blade for measuring distances from theflange-contacting portion along the web of the beam; and

[0011] (c) a bridging portion for connecting the measuring blade to theflange-contacting portion by bridging the beam flange. The bridgingportion connects the measuring blade to the flange-contacting portion ina way in which the measuring blade is perpendicular to a line parallelto the flange.

[0012] One object of the present invention is to provide a device formarking I-beams faster and more accurately that was possible using priorart tools and techniques.

[0013] Other objects and advantages will be apparent from the followingdescription.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a steel I-beam.

[0015]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the I-beam of FIG. 1, showing atape measure being used to measure distances from one end of the beam.

[0016]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the I-beam of FIG. 1, showing asquare being used to mark perpendicular lines at the measured distances.

[0017]FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the I-beam of FIG. 1, showing asquare and a tape measure being used to mark the locations of holes.

[0018]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the I-beam of FIG. 1, showing thepresent invention being used to mark the locations of holes.

[0019]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of one embodiment of the measuringdevice of the present invention.

[0020]FIG. 7 is a close-up view of the measuring blade locking mechanismof the measuring device of FIG. 6.

[0021]FIG. 8 is a side view of the measuring device of FIG. 7.

[0022]FIG. 9 is a perspective view of another embodiment of themeasuring device of the present invention.

[0023]FIG. 10 is a close-up view of the measuring blade lockingmechanism of the measuring device of FIG. 9.

[0024]FIG. 11 is a side view of the measuring device of FIG. 10.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0025] For the purposes of promoting an understanding of the principlesof the invention, reference will now be made to certain preferredembodiments and specific language will be used to describe the same. Itwill nevertheless be understood that no limitation of the scope of theinvention is thereby intended, such alterations and furthermodifications in the illustrated device, and such further applicationsof the principles of the invention as illustrated therein beingcontemplated as would normally occur to one skilled in the art to whichthe invention relates.

[0026] As indicated above, one aspect of the present invention relatesto a device for measuring and marking lines and points in a steelI-beam. The preferred embodiment of the device comprises: (a) aflange-contacting portion for contacting the flange of an I-beam to bemarked, and for defining a line parallel to the flange; (b) a measuringblade for measuring distances from the outside of the flange along theweb of the beam; and (c) a bridging portion for connecting the measuringblade to the flange-contacting portion by bridging the beam flange. Thebridging portion connects the measuring blade portion to theflange-contacting portion in a way in which the measuring blade isperpendicular to a line parallel to the flange.

[0027] Referring now to the drawings, FIG. 6 shows one preferredembodiment of the measuring device. Measuring device 20 comprises aflange-contacting portion 24 for contacting the flange of an I-beam tobe marked, and for defining a line parallel to the flange. Measuringblade 21 is provided to measure distances from the flange-contactingportion along the web of the beam. Bridging portion 26 connectsmeasuring blade 21 to flange-contacting portion 24 by bridging the beamflange, as shown in FIG. 5. A handle portion 27 may be provided to makethe device easier to grip, and to provide additional structuralstability to bridging portion 26. Rib 25 may be included onflange-contacting portion 24 to aid in better defining a lineperpendicular to the plans of the flange.

[0028] In one preferred embodiment the device includes a lockingmechanism (alternatively referred to as a blade-gripping portion) toreleasably hold measuring blade 21. Preferred locking mechanism 30includes two slotted gripping members 31 a and 31 b, which can be pulledtogether by tightening a nut 33 on a bolt 34 protruding from either ofthe gripping members. The sides (bottoms) of the slots are perpendicularto the line defined by flange-contacting portion 24, so that measuringblade 21 is held perpendicular to the flange.

[0029] Preferably the dimensions of the slots in the slotted grippingmembers 31 a and 31 b are such that the “vertical” dimension is slightlylarger than the thickness of the measuring blade to be used. With thatdimension the blade is easily slid into and out of the slot, yet is heldfirmly by the gripping members. The “width” of the slots is such thatwhen they are pulled together they contact the measuring blade beforethey contact each other, and thus grip and hold the measuring blade. Ofcourse, the dimensions of the slots depend on the dimensions of themeasuring blade to be used, but generally the slots will be about ⅛ inchhigh (defined by the vertical wall of the slot), about ⅜ inch wide(defined by the longest horizontal wall of the slot), and about 1 inchdeep to accommodate a standard 1-inch wide measuring blade. In the mostpreferred embodiments the slotted gripping members have a slot {fraction(1/16)} to 1/4 inch high, ¼ to 1 inch wide, and ½ to 2 inches deep,although larger or smaller sizes could be made to accommodate larger orsmaller measuring blades.

[0030] It is important that the gripping members hold the measuringblade perpendicular to the I-beam flange. Accordingly, measuring device20 has a flange-contacting portion 24 that contacts the flange anddefines a line (or a plane) generally parallel to the plane of theflange. Gripping members 31 a and 31 b are then positioned so that theslots therein are perpendicular to that line (or plane). When measuringblade is gripped by the gripping members, the blade is alsoperpendicular to the beam flange. In one preferred embodiment,flange-contacting portion 24 is equipped with a rib 25 to help betterdefine a line parallel to the plane of the flange at the location beingmeasured, i.e., at the outside of the flange opposite the center of theweb.

[0031] In another embodiment the blade is held by a locking mechanism 37comprising a housing 38 and a locking screw 39. Here too, the lockingmechanism releasably holds the blade so that the blade is held inposition perpendicular to the flange-contacting portion of the device.

[0032] Bridging portion 26 connects the blade-gripping portion to theflange-contacting portion. Preferably the bridging portion bridges theflange so that the device only contacts the flange at theflange-contacting portion opposite the web. The height of the bridgingportion therefore depends on the height of the flange, but is typicallyabout 7-10 inches. A handle portion 27 may be incorporated into bridgingportion 26 to make the device easier to grip, and to lend additionalstructural support to the device.

[0033] The most preferred embodiments of the device include a measuringblade, although that piece can be provided by the end user if desired.Measuring blade 21 is marked with visual indicators of distance, mostpreferably distances from the outside of the flange opposite the web.Measuring blades such as common metal rulers can be used, with the bladepreferably being cut so as to indicate the distance from the outersurface of the flange when the blade is held securely in the device.Generally, the blade is shortened by the distance from theflange-contacting portion to the nearest end of the blade, so thatcorrect measurements are indicated.

[0034] It is to be appreciated that the device should be made of amaterial that is strong enough to withstand use on a construction sitewithout becoming bent or broken. The strength of the bridging portion isof particular concern, since the distance between the flange-contactingportion and the end of the measuring blade should be constant over time.To assure proper measurements, the device should be calibratedregularly, and the blade can be lengthened or shortened if necessary.

[0035] To use the inventive device, the device is positioned over anI-beam flange so that the measuring blade rests on the beam web and theflange-contacting portion is pushed up against the outside of theflange, as shown generally in FIG. 5. The heights of the two arms of thebridging portion are such that the flange-contacting portion (mostpreferably the rib) contacts the flange opposite the center of the webwhen the measuring blade rests on the web surface. The device can thenbe used to mark points at specific distances from the outside of theflange, and to mark several points along a line perpendicular to theplane of the flange.

[0036] While the invention has been illustrated and described in detailin the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be consideredas illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understoodthat only the preferred embodiment has been shown and described and thatall changes and modifications that come within the spirit of theinvention are desired to be protected.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for measuring and marking lines andpoints on I-beams, comprising: (a) a flange-contacting portion forcontacting the flange of an I-beam to be marked, and for defining a lineparallel to the flange; (b) a measuring blade for measuring distancesfrom said flange-contacting portion along the web of the beam; and (c) abridging portion for connecting said measuring blade portion to saidflange-contacting portion by bridging the beam flange, wherein saidbridging portion connects said measuring blade to said flange-contactingportion in a way in which the measuring blade is perpendicular to a lineparallel to the flange.
 2. The device of claim 1 wherein saidflange-contacting portion includes a rib for contacting the flange. 3.The device of claim 1 and further including a locking mechanism forreleasably holding said measuring blade.
 4. The device of claim 1 andfurther including a handle portion for providing a better grip on thedevice.
 5. A device for measuring and marking lines and points onI-beams, comprising: (a) a flange-contacting portion for contacting theflange of an I-beam to be marked, and for defining a line parallel tothe flange; (b) a blade-gripping portion for holding a measuring bladefor measuring distances from said flange-contacting portion along theweb of the beam; and (c) a bridging portion for connecting saidblade-gripping portion to said flange-contacting portion by bridging thebeam flange, wherein said bridging portion connects said blade-grippingportion to said flange-contacting portion in a way in which themeasuring blade is held perpendicular to a line parallel to the flange.6. The device of claim 5 wherein said flange-contacting portion includesa rib for contacting the flange.
 7. The device of claim 5 wherein saidblade-gripping portion includes a locking mechanism for releasablyholding a measuring blade.
 8. The device of claim 5 and furtherincluding a handle portion for providing a better grip on the device. 9.A method of measuring points on an I-beam, comprising: (a) measuringpredetermined distances from one end of the beam, (b) positioning ameasuring blade on the web of the beam so that the measuring blade isperpendicular to the beam flanges at the predetermined distancesmeasured in step (a), wherein said measuring blade is held in a devicethat positions the measuring blade so that the distances marked on theblade correspond to the distances from the outside of the flange at theweb; and (c) using visual indicators on the measuring blade to indicatedesired points on the beam.